A new option in E Pike hair styling is opening April 1 as Capitol Hill’s Bang hair salon expands with the unveiling of a second location in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, it’s giving its E Pine location a new, youthful spin.

Bang is taking over the former Chemistry Salon home and hoping to play on the success enjoyed at the original location on Pine, said owner Casey Nickole, as well as taking up a partial revamp of the original salon with plans for appealing to local kids.

“Bang Pine will have a gated kid play area with games, toys and coloring books,” Nickole writes. “The kid station has a mounted I-pad. The powers of distraction are so helpful when cutting a kids hair.” Kids also get a free scoop of gelato from neighboring D’Ambrosio after haircuts. Nickole, a parent herself, was inspired to provide a fun and secure place for kids in a community that leans more adult with the prevalence of bars and restaurants.

“Family-friendly for us isn’t just about doing kid cuts. It’s about providing a safe place for kids to have fun and be loud while caregivers or kids get services. As a parent, I am chronically annoyed at how unfriendly Capitol Hill can be. Reality is, it’s changing and we need to look at more options than restaurants and bars to have a community that thrives.”

Meanwhile, procuring the Pike property took some patience for Nickole who actually wanted to get in there sooner.

“We tried to purchase that location about two years ago but were unsuccessful in negotiating with the previous owners,” she said.

“The family that owns the St John’s building has been amazing in helping Bang Pike transition in. It truly takes a village,” Nickole said.

Nickole said her business needs more room to grow.

“Bang Pine is mighty, but oh so small. 800 more square feet at Bang Pike allows us to offer more walk-in service and faster appointment times,” she said. “It also frees up space for us to make Bang Pinge slightly more family friendly.” Between the Pike and Pine locations, Nickole said she will have thirteen stylists who will rotate between both locations. She also employs four receptionists.

“We are a community of stylists who live, sleep and play on Capitol Hill. It helps us connect with our clients and it keeps us honest. You can’t do bad work and see them at the bar later. It’s built in social responsibility,” Nickole said. She hopes the new Bang Pike location helps offer greater flexibility for stylists and improved access for clientele.

For the Capitol Hill kids, don’t expect the new look at Bang Pine to lose its style.The new kid’s area won’t include gimmicks like rocket ship salon chairs.

“No rocket chair,” Nickole said. “We debated it, but as it turns out the ‘kids salons’ have that all locked down. Our kid clients would also probably be mortified to sit in it. As it turns out the kids are way too cool these days. The chair is black leather. Like us.”‘